Liquid compression molding encapsulants

ABSTRACT

Thermosetting resin compositions useful for liquid compression molding encapsulation of a silicon wafer are provided. The so-encapsulated silicon wafers offer improved resistance to warpage, compared to unencapsulated wafers or wafers encapsulated with known encapsulation materials.

BACKGROUND

1. Field

Thermosetting resin compositions useful for liquid compression molding encapsulation of a silicon wafer are provided. The so-encapsulated silicon wafers offer improved resistance to warpage, compared to unencapsulated wafers or wafers encapsulated with known encapsulation materials.

2. Brief Description of Related Technology

Liquid compression molding in the semiconductor packaging industry involves the coating of a protective material around and about a silicon wafer, a purpose of the protective material being to provide resistance against warpage of the wafer, particularly with an eye toward subsequent singulation of the wafer into individual die.

Conventional materials used to encapsulate silicon wafers have either not possessed the desired physical properties to offer improved resistance to wafer warpage, or have not lent themselves to application by liquid compression molding techniques.

It would be desirable therefore to provide encapsulation by liquid compression molding to silicon wafers materials suitable for application, which are thermosetting resin compositions capable of providing improved resistance to silicon wafer warpage.

SUMMARY

Thermosetting resin compositions that are capable of reducing, after cure, silicon wafer warpage are provided. These thermosetting resin compositions are useful for chip on wafer, TSV stacked die package, embedded wafer level ball-array grid and compression molded underfill applications. In these applications, warpage reduction of the silicon wafer is an important criterion.

More specifically, thermosetting resin compositions useful as liquid compression molding encapsulants having low warpage after compression molding and oven cure, while maintaining the physical properties of a molding compound, in the invention composition are provided. The compositions exhibit low modulus at room temperature (such as about 20 GPa or less, desirably within the range of about 4 to about 9 Gpa, at room temperature), low CTEs (α1≦10 ppm), and multiple Tgs [T_(g1) about −70° C. to −30° C. (such as −40° C.), and T_(g2) about 50° C. to 150° C. (such as 90° C.). This physical property combination shows promise in overcoming some of the significant technical hurdles facing the semiconductor packaging industry at present, particularly with respect to wafer warpage.

Thus provided in one aspect is a thermosetting resin composition, whose components include a thermosetting resin matrix (such as one based on the combination of an epoxy resin component and a phenolic novolac component), a filler, a block copolymer (such as an amphiphilic one), and a cure component.

In another aspect, provided is a method of improving warpage resistance to a silicon wafer, steps of which include:

providing a silicon wafer;

providing a thermosetting resin composition as so described in contact with the silicon wafer; and

exposing the silicon wafer and the thermosetting resin composition to conditions favorable to allow the thermosetting resin composition to flow about the silicon wafer and cure to a reaction product of the thermosetting resin composition. The cured reaction product is capable of improving warpage resistance of the silicon wafer by 20%, desirably at least about 50%, and even more desirably at least about 80%, as compared with a silicon wafer either without cured reaction product or with a material other than that which is disclosed herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 depicts a process flow diagram of a liquid compression molding process.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The thermosetting resin compositions as noted above, include among other constituents a thermosetting resin matrix (such as the combination of an epoxy resin component and a phenolic novolac component).

Examples of the epoxy resin component include epoxies made from bisphenol A, bisphenol F, bisphenol S, bisphenol E, biphenyl or combinations thereof. In addition, two or more different bisphenol epoxies (or hydrogenated versus thereof) within the same type of resin (such as A, F, S or E) may be used.

Commercially available examples of the bisphenol epoxies desirable for use herein include bisphenol-F epoxies [such as RE-404-S from Nippon Kayaku, Japan, and EPICLON 830 (RE1801), 830S (RE1815), 830A (RE1826) and 830W from Dai Nippon Ink & Chemicals, Inc., and RSL 1738 and YL-983U from Resolution] and bisphenol-A epoxies (such as YL-979 and 980 from Resolution).

The bisphenol epoxies available commercially from Dai Nippon and noted above are promoted as liquid undiluted epichlorohydrin-bisphenol F epoxies having lower viscosities than conventional epoxies based on bisphenol A epoxies and have physical properties similar to liquid bisphenol A epoxies. Bisphenol F epoxy has a lower viscosity than bisphenol A epoxy, all else being the same between the two types of epoxies, which affords a lower viscosity and thus a fast flow underfill sealant material. The EEW of these four bisphenol F epoxies is between 165 and 180. The viscosity at 25° C. is between 3,000 and 4,500 cps (except for RE1801 whose upper viscosity limit is 4,000 cps). The bisphenol A epoxies have a EEW (g/eq) of between 180 and 195 and a viscosity at 25° C. of between 100 and 250 cps.

The bisphenol epoxies available commercially from Resolution and noted above are promoted as low chloride containing liquid epoxies. The total chloride content for the RSL-1738 bisphenol A epoxy is reported as between 500 and 700 ppm, and that for YL-983U as between 150 and 350 ppm.

Among the epoxies suitable for use herein also include polyglycidyl derivatives of phenolic compounds, such as those available commercially under the tradename EPON, such as EPON 828, EPON 1001, EPON 1009, and EPON 1031 from Resolution; DER 331, DER 332, DER 334, and DER 542 from Dow Chemical Co.; and BREN-S from Nippon Kayaku. Other suitable epoxies include polyepoxides prepared from polyols and the like and polyglycidyl derivatives of phenol-formaldehyde novolacs, the latter of such as DEN 431, DEN 438, and DEN 439 from Dow Chemical. Cresol analogs are also available commercially under the tradename ARALDITE, such as ARALDITE ECN 1235, ARALDITE ECN 1273, and ARALDITE ECN 1299 from Ciba Specialty Chemicals Corporation. SU-8 is a bisphenol-A-type epoxy novolac available from Resolution. Polyglycidyl adducts of amines, aminoalcohols and polycarboxylic acids are also useful in this invention, commercially available resins of which include GLYAMINE 135, GLYAMINE 125, and GLYAMINE 115 from F.I.C. Corporation; ARALDITE MY-720, ARALDITE 0500, and ARALDITE 0510 from Ciba Specialty Chemicals and PGA-X and PGA-C from the Sherwin-Williams Co.

In addition to the bisphenol epoxies, other epoxy compounds may be included within the epoxy component. For instance, cycloaliphatic epoxies, such as 3,4-epoxycyclohexylmethyl-3,4-epoxycyclohexylcarbonate, or hydrogenated versions of the bisphenol or biphenyl epoxies may be used.

Also monofunctional, difunctional or multifunctional reactive diluents to adjust the viscosity and/or lower the Tg are also used, such as butyl glycidyl ether, cresyl glycidyl ether, polyethylene glycol glycidyl ether or polypropylene glycol glycidyl ether. Appropriate monofunctional epoxy coreactant diluents for use herein include those that have a viscosity which is lower than that of the epoxy component, ordinarily, less than about 250 cps.

The monofunctional epoxy coreactant diluents should have an epoxy group with an alkyl group of about 6 to about 28 carbon atoms, examples of which include C₆₋₂₈ alkyl glycidyl ethers, C₆₋₂₈ fatty acid glycidyl esters and C₁₀₋₂₈ alkylphenol glycidyl ethers.

In the event such a monofunctional epoxy coreactant diluent is included, such coreactant diluent should be employed in an amount of up to about 5 percent by weight to about 15 percent by weight, such as about 8 percent by weight to about 12 percent by weight, based on the total weight of the composition.

The epoxy resin component should be present in the composition in an amount which the range of about 10 percent by weight to about 95 percent by weight, desirably about 20 percent by weight to about 80 percent by weight, such as about 60 percent by weight.

The phenolic novolac component may be a thermoplastic one, such as is available commercially from SI Group under the tradename REZICURE 3700. REZICURE 3700 is based on the diallyl bisphenol F structure and is promoted by the manufacturer as a liquid high-purity, novolak hardener for epoxy.

Other examples are MEH-8000H and MEH-8005 from Meiwa Plastic Ind. Ltd.

MEH-8000H is reported by the manufacturer to be a low viscosity resin with a 25° C. viscosity of about 1,500 to 3,500 Mpa·s and with an OH equivalent value of about 139 to 143; MEH-8005 is a high viscosity version with a 25° C. viscosity of about 4,500 to 7,500 Mpa·s and with an OH equivalent value of about 133 to 138.

In addition to the epoxy resin component and the phenolic novolac component, other reactive components may be included such as an episulfide resin component, an oxazine component (such as a benzoxazine component), an oxazoline component, a cyanate ester component, and/or a maleimide-, a nadimide- or an itaconimide-containing component.

As an episulfide resin, any of the aforementioned epoxies may be used where the oxirane oxygen atom has been replaced by a sulfur atom.

Oxazines may be embraced by the structure

where here R₁-R₈ are each individually members selected from hydrogen, C₁₋₄₀ alkyl, C₂₋₄₀ alkenyl, the latter two of which being optionally interrupted by one or more of O, N, S, C═O, COO, or NHC═O or substituted by one or more of OH, OR, NRR, SH, SR, COOH, COOR, NHCOOH or NHCOOR, where R is selected from C₁₋₄₀ alkyl, C₂₋₄₀ alkenyl, or C₆₋₂₀ aryl,

X is a linkage selected broadly from alkylene, alkenylene, or arylene, optionally interrupted by one or more of O, NR, S, C═O, COO, or NHC═O or substituted by one or more of OH, OR, NRR, SH, SR, COOH, COOR, NHCOOH or NHCOOR, where R is selected from C₁₋₄₀ alkyl, C₂₋₄₀ alkenyl, or C₅₋₂₀ aryl,

m and n are each individually 1 or 2, and

k is 0 to 6.

More specifically, the linkage “X” may be selected from the radicals listed above in connection with the benzoxazine resins.

The oxazine resin component should be present in the composition in an amount which the range of about 10 percent by weight to about 95 percent by weight, desirably about 20 percent by weight to about 80 percent by weight, such as about 60 percent by weight.

A more specific oxazine resin component is a benzoxazine resin component.

Benzoxazine resins may be embraced by

where o is 1-4, X is defined below, and R₁ is alkyl, such as methyl, ethyl, propyls or butyls, or

where p is 1-4, Y is defined below, and R₄ is selected from hydrogen, halogen, alkyl or alkenyl.

X and Y in the benzoxazine structures above may independently be selected from a monovalent or polyvalent radical that include

-   -   hydrocarbyl or substituted hydrocarbyl species typically having         in the range of about 6 up to about 500 carbon atoms, where the         hydrocarbyl species is selected from alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl,         cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl, aryl, alkylaryl, arylalkyl,         aryalkenyl, alkenylaryl, arylalkynyl or alkynylaryl, provided,         however, that X can be aryl only when X comprises a combination         of two or more different species;     -   hydrocarbylene or substituted hydrocarbylene species typically         having in the range of about 6 up to about 500 carbon atoms,         where the hydrocarbylene species are selected from alkylene,         alkenylene, alkynylene, cycloalkylene, cycloalkenylene, arylene,         alkylarylene, arylalkylene, arylalkenylene, alkenylarylene,         arylalkynylene or alkynylarylene,     -   heterocyclic or substituted heterocyclic species typically         having in the range of about 6 up to about 500 carbon atoms,     -   polysiloxane, and     -   polysiloxane-polyurethane block copolymers, and combinations of         one or more of the above with a linker selected from covalent         bond, —O—, —S—, —NR—, —NR—C(O)—, —NR—C(O)—O—, —NR—C(O)—NR—,         —S—C(O)—, —S—C(O)—O—, —S—C(O)—NR—, —O—S(O)₂—, —O—S(O)₂—O—,         —O—S(O)₂—NR—, —O—S(O)—, —O—S(O)—O—, —O—S(O)—NR—, —O—NR—C(O)—,         —O—NR—C(O)—O—, —O—NR—C(O)—NR—, —NR—O—C(O)—, —NR—O—C(O)—O—,         —NR—O—C(O)—NR—, —O—NR—C(S)—, —O—NR—C(S)—O—, —O—NR—C(S)—NR—,         —NR—O—C(S)—, —NR—O—C(S)—O—, —NR—O—C(S)—NR—, —O—C(S)—,         —O—C(S)—O—, —O—C(S)—NR—, —NR—C(S)—, —NR—C(S)—O—, —NR—C(S)—NR—,         —S—S(O)₂—, —S—S(O)₂—NR—, —NR—O—S(O)—, —NR—O—S(O)—O—,         —NR—O—S(O)—NR—, —NR—O—S(O)₂—, —NR—O—S(O)₂—O—, —NR—O—S(O)₂—NR—,         —O—NR—S(O)—, —O—NR—S(O)—O—, —O—NR—S(O)—NR—, —O—NR—S(O)₂—O—,         —O—NR—S(O)₂—NR—, —O—NR—S(O)₂—, —O—P(O)R₂—, —S—P(O)R₂—, or         —NR—P(O)R₂—; where each R is independently hydrogen, alkyl or         substituted alkyl.

When one or more of the above described “X” or “Y” linkages cooperate to form the appendage of a benzoxazine group, as readily recognized by those of skill in the art, a wide variety of organic chains can be produced, such as, for example, oxyalkyl, thioalkyl, aminoalkyl, carboxylalkyl, oxyalkenyl, thioalkenyl, aminoalkenyl, carboxyalkenyl, oxyalkynyl, thioalkynyl, aminoalkynyl, carboxyalkynyl, oxycycloalkyl, thiocycloalkyl, aminocycloalkyl, carboxycycloalkyl, oxycloalkenyl, thiocycloalkenyl, aminocycloalkenyl, carboxycycloalkenyl, heterocyclic, oxyheterocyclic, thioheterocyclic, aminoheterocyclic, carboxyheterocyclic, oxyaryl, thioaryl, aminoaryl, carboxyaryl, heteroaryl, oxyheteroaryl, thioheteroaryl, aminoheteroaryl, carboxyheteroaryl, oxyalkylaryl, thioalkylaryl, aminoalkylaryl, carboxyalkylaryl, oxyarylalkyl, thioarylalkyl, aminoarylalkyl, carboxyarylalkyl, oxyarylalkenyl, thioarylalkenyl, aminoarylalkenyl, carboxyarylalkenyl, oxyalkenylaryl, thioalkenylaryl, aminoalkenylaryl, carboxyalkenylaryl, oxyarylalkynyl, thioarylalkynyl, aminoarylalkynyl, carboxyarylalkynyl, oxyalkynylaryl, thioalkynylaryl, aminoalkynylaryl or carboxyalkynylaryl. oxyalkylene, thioalkylene, aminoalkylene, carboxyalkylene, oxyalkenylene, thioalkenylene, aminoalkenylene, carboxyalkenylene, oxyalkynylene, thioalkynylene, aminoalkynylene, carboxyalkynylene, oxycycloalkylene, thiocycloalkylene, aminocycloalkylene, carboxycycloalkylene, oxycycloalkenylene, thiocycloalkenylene, aminocycloalkenylene, carboxycycloalkenylene, oxyarylene, thioarylene, aminoarylene, carboxyarylene, oxyalkylarylene, thioalkylarylene, aminoalkylarylene, carboxyalkylarylene, oxyarylalkylene, thioarylalkylene, aminoarylalkylene, carboxyarylalkylene, oxyarylalkenylene, thioarylalkenylene, aminoarylalkenylene, carboxyarylalkenylene, oxyalkenylarylene, thioalkenylarylene, aminoalkenylarylene, carboxyalkenylarylene, oxyarylalkynylene, thioarylalkynylene, aminoarylalkynylene, carboxy arylalkynylene, oxyalkynylarylene, thioalkynylarylene, aminoalkynylarylene, carboxyalkynylarylene, heteroarylene, oxyheteroarylene, thioheteroarylene, aminoheteroarylene, carboxyheteroarylene, heteroatom-containing di- or polyvalent cyclic moiety, oxyheteroatom-containing di- or polyvalent cyclic moiety, thioheteroatom-containing di- or polyvalent cyclic moiety, aminoheteroatom-containing di- or polyvalent cyclic moiety, carboxyheteroatom-containing di- or polyvalent cyclic moiety, and the like.

A more specific oxazine is a benzoxazine. The benzoxazine resin component should be present in the composition in an amount which the range of about 10 percent by weight to about 95 percent by weight, desirably about 20 percent by weight to about 80 percent by weight, such as about 60 percent by weight.

As a cyanate ester component, compounds having the general structural formula below may be used: R¹

O—C≡N)_(m)  (I) where here m is from 2 to 5 and R¹ is an aromatic nucleus-containing residue. R¹ should contain at least 6 carbon atoms and may be derived, for example, from aromatic hydrocarbons, such as benzene, biphenyl, naphthalene, anthracene, pyrene or the like. The aromatic residue may be also be derived from a polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbon in which at least two aromatic rings are attached to each other through a bridging group, such as where the bridging member has the formula

where R_(a) and R_(b) are the same or different and each represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group containing 1 to 4 carbon atoms. R¹ also includes residues derived from novolac-type phenolic resins—i.e. cyanate esters of these phenolic resins. R¹ may also contain further ring attached, non-reactive substituents.

Examples of useful cyanate esters include, for instance, 1,3-dicyanatobenzene; 1,4-dicyanatobenzene; 1,3,5-tricyanatobenzene; 1,3-, 1,4-, 1,6-, 1,8-, 2,6- or 2,7-dicyanatonaphthalene; 1,3,6-tricyanatonaphthalene; 4,4′-dicyanato-biphenyl; bis(4-cyanatophenyl)methane and 3,3′,5,5′-tetramethyl, bis(4-cyanatophenyl)methane; 2,2-bis(3,5-dichloro-4-cyanatophenyl)propane; 2,2-bis(3,5-dibromo-4-dicyanatophenyl)propane; bis(4-cyanatophenyl)ether; bis(4-cyanatophenyl)sulfide; 2,2-bis(4-cyanatophenyl)propane; tris(4-cyanatophenyl)-phosphite; tris(4-cyanatophenyl)phosphate; bis(3-chloro-4-cyanatophenyl)methane; cyanated novolac; 1,3-bis[4-cyanatophenyl-1-(methylethylidene)]benzene and cyanated, bisphenol-terminated polycarbonate or other thermoplastic oligomer.

Other cyanate esters include cyanates disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,477,629 and 4,528,366, the disclosure of each of which is hereby expressly incorporated herein by reference; the cyanate esters disclosed in U.K. Patent No. 1,305,702, and the cyanate esters disclosed in International Patent Publication No. WO 85/02184, the disclosure of each of which is hereby expressly incorporated herein by reference.

Particularly desirable cyanate esters for use herein are available commercially from Huntsman Advanced Materials, Tarrytown, N.Y. under the tradename “AROCY” [1,1-di(4-cyanatophenylethane)]. The structures of four desirable “AROCY” cyanate esters are

The cyanate ester resin component should be present in the composition in an amount which the range of about 10 percent by weight to about 95 percent by weight, desirably about 20 percent by weight to about 80 percent by weight, such as about 60 percent by weight.

As a maleimide, nadimide or itaconimide, compounds having the general respective structural formulae below may be used:

where here m is 1-15, p is 0-15, each R² is independently selected from hydrogen or lower alkyl (such as C₁₋₅), and J is a monovalent or a polyvalent radical comprising organic or organosiloxane radicals, and combinations of two or more thereof, such as are defined as “X” and “Y” with respect to the benzoxazine structure above.

Monovalent or polyvalent radicals include hydrocarbyl or substituted hydrocarbyl species typically having a range of about 6 up to about 500 carbon atoms. The hydrocarbyl species may be alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl, aryl, alkylaryl, arylalkyl, aryalkenyl, alkenylaryl, arylalkynyl and alkynylaryl.

Additionally, X may be a hydrocarbylene or substituted hydrocarbylene species typically having in the range of about 6 up to about 500 carbon atoms. Examples of hydrocarbylene species include but are not limited to alkylene, alkenylene, alkynylene, cycloalkylene, cycloalkenylene, arylene, alkylarylene, arylalkylene, arylalkenylene, alkenylarylene, arylalkynylene and alkynylarylene.

The maleimide, itaconamide or nadimide may be in liquid or solid form.

In a desired embodiment, the maleimide, itaconamide or nadimide functional groups are separated by a polyvalent radical having sufficient length and branching to render the maleimide containing compound a liquid. The maleimide, itaconamide or nadimide compound may contain a spacer between maleimide functional groups comprising a branched chain alkylene between maleimide, itaconamide or nadimide functional groups.

In the case of maleimide-containing compounds, the maleimide compound desirably is a stearyl maleimide, oleyl maleimide, a biphenyl maleimide or a 1,20-bismaleimido-10,11-dioctyl-eixosane or combinations of the above.

Again in the case of maleimide-containing compounds, the maleimide compound may be prepared by reaction of maleic anhydride with dimer amides or prepared from aminopropyl-terminated polydimethyl siloxanes, polyoxypropylene amines, polytetramethyleneoxide-di-p-aminobenzoates, or combinations thereof.

Particularly desirable maleimides and nadimides include

where R⁵ and R⁶ are each selected from alkyl, aryl, aralkyl or alkaryl groups, having from about 6 to about 100 carbon atoms, with or without substitution or interruption by a member selected from silane, silicon, oxygen, halogen, carbonyl, hydroxyl, ester, carboxylic acid, urea, urethane, carbamate, sulfur, sulfonate and sulfone.

Other desirable maleimides, nadimides, and itaconimides include

The maleimides, nadimides or itaconimides should be present in the composition in an amount within the range of about 10 percent by weight to about 95 percent by weight, desirably about 20 percent by weight to about 80 percent by weight, such as about 60 percent by weight.

The block copolymer may be any block copolymer capable of contributing to the physical properties desired for the disclosed composition. Amphiphilic block copolymers are particularly desirable. Arkema offers for sale commercially an amphiphilic block copolymer under the trademark NANOSTRENGTH. Such block copolymers are currently available in two versions: SBM and MAM. The SBM copolymer is reportedly made of polystyrene, 1,4-polybutadiene and syndiotactic poly(methyl methacrylate).

In addition, a polymer material constructed from polymethyl methacrylate (“PMMA”) and polybutyl acrylate (“PB”) may be used too. Polymer materials within this class are referred to as polymethylmethacrylate-block-polybutylacrylate-block polymethylmethacrylate copolymers (“MAM”).

As reported by Arkema, MAM is a triblock copolymer, consisting of about 70% PMMA and 30% PB. MAM is constructed from distinct segments, which provides for the ability to self-assemble at the molecular scale. That is, M confers hardness to the polymer and A confers elastomeric properties to the polymer. A hard polymer segment tends to be soluble in cyanoacrylates, whereas the elastomeric segments provides toughness to the polymeric cyanoacrylate which forms upon cure. MAM also reinforces mechanical properties, without compromising inherent physical properties. MAM is commercially available under the tradename NANOSTRENGTH, at present under several different grades—i.e., E-21 [intermediate low molecular weight, medium butadiene content best toughening for PMMA friendly cross-linking agents (JEFFAMINE, MDEA)], E-41 [low molecular weight, low butadiene content, low viscosity, for use with PMMA friendly cross-linking agents (JEFFAMINE, MDEA)], M-22, M-22N, M-42, M-51 (low molecular weight, medium butyl acrylate content, low viscosity), and M-52N.

Arkema promotes the NANOSTRENGTH product line as an acrylic block copolymer that is miscible with many polymers, most of which according to the manufacturer are major industrial epoxy resins. See also U.S. Pat. No. 6,894,113, where in its abstract the '113 patent speaks to a thermoset material with improved impact resistance. The impact resistance is derived from 1 to 80% of an impact modifier comprising at least one copolymer comprising S-B-M, B-M and M-B-M blocks, where each block is connected to the other by a covalent bond or of an intermediary connected to one of the blocks by a covalent bond and to the other block by another covalent bond, M is a PMMA homopolymer or a copolymer comprising at least 50% by weight of methyl methacrylate, B is incompatible with the thermoset resin and with the M block and its glass transition temperature Tg is less than the operating temperature of the thermoset material, and S is incompatible with the thermoset resin, the B block and the M block and its Tg or its melting temperature is greater than the Tg of B.

Another commercially available example of an amphiphilic block copolymer is a polyether block copolymer known to the trade as FORTEGRA 100, from Dow Chemical Co. Dow describes FORTEGRA 100 as a low viscosity toughening agent designed for use as a high efficiency second phase, in amine cured epoxy systems. FORTEGRA 100 is reported to provide improved toughness without significantly affecting the viscosity, glass transition temperature, corrosion resistance, cure rate or chemical resistance of the final coating or composition. FORTEGRA 100 is also reported to be useful for formulation into standard bisphenol A and bisphenol F epoxy systems as it does not participate in the epoxy cure reaction. As a second phase toughening agent, FORTEGRA 100 is promoted as being effective when formulated at a specific volume fraction of the finish film or part, typically 3% to 8% by dry volume is said to achieve the toughening effect.

Additional block copolymers include those which comprise both hydrophobic and hydrophilic segments or portions, of the general formula: —[(R¹)_(v)—(R²)_(w)]_(n)— where here R¹ is independently a hydrophobic olefin, such as ethylene, propylene, 1-butene, 1-hexene, 3-methyl-1-pentene, or 4-methyl-1-pentene or a polymerizable hydrophobic aromatic hydrocarbon such as styrene; each R² is a hydrophilic acid anhydride, such as maleic anhydride; v is from 1 to 12; w is from 1 to 6; and n is from 1 to 50.

Still other block copolymers may be a styrene maleic anhydride copolymer, represented by the formula:

where v is from 1 to 12; w is from 1 to 6; and n is from 1 to 50.

Styrene maleic anhydride copolymers are well known and some of which are available commercially from Sartomer Company, Inc., Exton, Pa. under the trade name SMA EF80, for example. Styrene maleic anhydride copolymers represent the copolymerization product of styrene and maleic anhydride and are characterized by alternating blocks of styrene and maleic anhydride moieties.

The ratio of the hydrophobic segments to the hydrophilic segments in the styrene maleic anhydride block copolymer may be at least 2:1, such as between 3:1 and 12:1. The hydrophilic segments in the block copolymer should comprise an anhydride, such as maleic anhydride. The hydrophobic segments in the block copolymer should comprise at least one of ethylene, propylene, 1-butene, 1-hexene, 3-methyl-1-pentene, 4-methyl-1-pentene, or styrene. Desirably, the block copolymer should be prepared with the hydrophilic segments comprising maleic anhydride and the hydrophobic segments comprising styrene.

Reference to the following U.S. patent documents shows amphiphilic block copolymers suitable for use herein, and as such are incorporated herein by reference. U.S. Pat. No. 7,745,535 is directed to and claims an amphiphilic multiblock copolymer where at least one block is a profiled block consisting of a) a hydrophilic middle block made from one or more monomeric units selected from acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, and the salts, esters, anhydrides and amides of acrylic acid and methacrylic acid; dicarboxylic acid anhydrides; carboxyethyl acrylate; and acrylamides; and b) hydrophobic end blocks where the multiblock copolymer is water insoluble, water indisperible, and not soluble or dispersible in C₁₋₃ alcohols.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,820,760 is directed to and claims a curable adhesive epoxy resin composition including (a) an epoxy resin; (b) an amphiphilic block copolymer containing at least one epoxy resin miscible block segments and at least one epoxy resin immiscible block segments (where the immiscible block segment comprises at least one polyether structure provided that the polyether structure of the immiscible block segment contains at least one or more alkylene oxide monomer units having at least four carbon atoms); and (c) at least one curing agent. The amphiphilic block copolymer in the '760 patent is an all polyether block copolymer such as a PEO-PBO diblock copolymer or a PEO-PBO-PEO triblock copolymer. The amphiphilic block copolymer is present in an amount such that when in the '760 patent the epoxy resin composition is cured, the bond strength of the resulting cured epoxy adhesive resin composition increases compared to an epoxy resin composition without the amphiphilic polyether block copolymer.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,670,649 is directed to and claims a curable ambient cure high-solids coating composition including (a) an epoxy resin; (b) an amphiphilic block copolymer containing at least one epoxy resin miscible block segment (where the immiscible block segment comprises at least one polyether structure provided that the polyether structure of the immiscible block segment contains at least one or more alkylene oxide monomer units) and at least one epoxy resin immiscible block segment; and (c) a sufficient amount of a nitrogen-containing curing agent to cure the coating composition at ambient temperature of less than about 60° C. When the epoxy resin composition is cured, the toughness of the resulting cured epoxy resin composition is increased.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,887,574 is directed to and claims a curable flame retardant epoxy resin composition including (a) at least one flame retardant epoxy resin; (b) at least one amphiphilic block copolymer; and (c) a curing agent. Such components are present in the curable composition in the appropriate amounts and ratios such that, upon curing, the block copolymer self-assembles into a nano structure morphology, such as a worm-like micelle morphology. The resulting cured product is reported to have a remarkably increased high fracture resistance; and allows the use of flame retardant epoxies in applications where fracture resistance is an issue.

U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2008/0287595 is directed to a composition comprising (1) a thermosettable resin selected from an epoxy resin, an epoxy vinyl ester resin, an unsaturated polyester resin or a mixture thereof, and (2) an amphiphilic mock copolymer dispersed in the thermosettable resin. In addition, fiber-reinforced plastics (FRP), coatings and composites prepared from the composition are provided as well.

International Patent Publication No. WO 2010/008931 is directed to a structural composite that uses a block copolymer toughening agent to increase the fracture resistance (toughness) of the structural composite. The structural composite comprises (i) a carbon fiber reinforcing material and (ii) a thermosettable resin composition; wherein the thermosettable resin composition comprises (a) a thermosettable resin and (b) at least one block copolymer toughening agent.

International Patent Publication No. WO 2009/018193 is directed to curable compositions, cured compositions, and methods of forming the same, including an epoxy resin, a curing agent, an amphiphilic toughening agent, and an inorganic nanofiller, where the toughening agent forms a second phase having at least one dimension being on the nanometer scale.

Another example of a block polymer that may be used herein is a silane modified epoxy resin, which is made from:

as component (A) an epoxy component embraced by the following structure:

where Y may or may not be present and when Y present is a direct bond, CH₂, CH(CH₃)₂, C═O, or S, R₁ here is alkyl, alkenyl, hydroxy, carboxy and halogen, and x here is 1-4;

as component (B) a polymeric form of an epoxy-functionalized alkoxy silane embraced by the following structure: R¹—Si(OR²)₃ where R¹ is an oxirane-containing moiety and R² is an alkyl or alkoxy-substituted alkyl, aryl, or aralkyl group having from one to ten carbon atoms; and

as component (C) reaction products of components (A) and (B).

An example of one such silane-modified epoxy is formed as the reaction product of an aromatic epoxy, such as a bisphenol A, E, F or S epoxy or biphenyl epoxy, and epoxy silane where the epoxy silane is embraced by the following structure: R¹—Si(OR²)₃ where R¹ is an oxirane-containing moiety, examples of which include 2-(ethoxymethyl)oxirane, 2-(propoxymethyl)oxirane, 2-(methoxymethyl)oxirane, and 2-(3-methoxypropyl)oxirane and R² is an alkyl or alkoxy-substituted alkyl, aryl, or aralkyl group having from one to ten carbon atoms. In one embodiment, R¹ is 2-(ethoxymethyl)oxirane and R² is methyl. The polymeric form of such epoxy silane may be seen with reference to FIG. 1.

Idealized structures of the aromatic epoxy used to prepare the silane modified epoxy composition of matter include in one aspect is thus

where Y may or may not be present and when Y present is a direct bond, CH₂, CH(CH₃)₂, C═O, or S, R₁ here is alkyl, alkenyl, hydroxy, carboxy and halogen, and x here is 1-4. Of course, when x is 2-4, chain extended versions of the aromatic epoxy are also contemplated as being embraced by this structure.

For instance, a chain extended version of the aromatic epoxy may be embraced by the structure below

The silane modified epoxy is thus in one aspect a combination of the aromatic epoxy, a polymeric form of the epoxy silane, and reaction products of the aromatic epoxy and the epoxy silane. The reaction products may be prepared from the aromatic epoxy and epoxy silane in a by weight ratio of 1:100 to 100:1, such as a by weight ratio of 1:10 to 10:1.

The block copolymer may be used herein in an amount up to about 50 percent by weight, desirably from 5 to 40 percent by weight based on the total weight of the adhesive composition.

The Tg of a polymer is the temperature at which the polymer becomes brittle on cooling or soft on heating. More specifically, Tg defines a pseudo second order phase transition in which a polymer yields, on cooling, a glassy structure with properties similar to those of a crystalline material. Above Tg, the polymer becomes soft and capable of plastic deformation without fracture. While the Tg is occasionally described as the “softening temperature” of a polymer, it is not uncommon for the polymer to begin softening at a temperature below the Tg. This is because, due to the nature of many non-crystalline polymers, the softening of the polymer may occur over a temperature range rather than abruptly at a single temperature value. Tg generally refers to the middle point of this range even though the polymer may begin to soften at a different temperature. For purposes of this application, the Tg of a polymer refers to the value as determined by ASTM E-1356.

In addition to becoming brittle at temperatures below Tg, a polymer also generally becomes drier and less tacky than when that same polymer is heated to a temperature above its Tg.

As a filler component, many materials are potentially useful. For instance, inorganic fillers may be useful, particularly where coefficients of thermal expansion (“CTE”) between the semiconductor chip and the substrate to be mated and sealed are to be more closely matched. The filler influences the CTE and thus can be used to reduce thermal expansion of the cured material, thereby reducing warpage. The filler component may often include reinforcing silicas, such as fused spherical silicas, and may be untreated or treated so as to alter the chemical nature of their surface. The filler component however should include particles having a mean particle size distribution in the 0.1 to 50 micron range. A commercially available example of such particles is sold by Tatsumori or Denka in Japan. In addition, nano-size silica powder might be added, such as those sold under the tradename NANOPDX by Nanoresins, Germany. NANOPDX fillers are monodisperse silica filler dispersions in epoxy resins, at a level of up to about 50 percent by weight, available from Nanoresins, Germany. NANOPDX fillers ordinarily are believed to have a particle size of about 5 nm to about 80 nm.

Nanoresins also produces materials under the NANOPDX E trade designations. For instance, Nanoresins reports NANOPDX E-brand products enable the complete impregnation of electronic components which are difficult to seal otherwise and provide a large spectrum of mechanical and thermal properties such as reduced shrinkage and thermal expansion, fracture toughness and modulus. In the table below, Nanoresins-provided information on the four noted NANOPDX E products is set forth:

Dyn. SiO2- viscosity, Content Base EEW 25° C. Type [wtpercent] resin [g/equiv.] [mPa · s] NANOPOX 40 DGEBA/ 290 45,000 E 430 DGEBF NANOPOX 40 DGEBA¹ 295 60,000 E 470 NANOPOX 40 DGEBF² 275 20,000 E 500 NANOPOX 40 EEC³ 220 4,000 E 600 ¹diglyceride ester of bisphenol ²diglyceride ester of bisphenol ³3,4-epoxycyclohexylmethyl-3,4-epoxycyclohexylcarbonate

Nanoresins reports that important properties can be significantly improved in epoxy formulations by using NANOPDX E-brand products. For instance:

lower viscosity of the formulation in comparison to conventional reinforced fillers

no sedimentation

increase in the fracture toughness, impact resistance and modulus

improved scratch and abrasion resistance

reduction of shrinkage and thermal expansion

improvement, or at least no negative effect, in numerous desired properties, such as thermal stability, chemical resistance, glass transition temperature, weathering resistance, and dielectric properties.

The processability is essentially unchanged in comparison to the respective base resin.

According to the manufacturer, NANOPDX E-brand products are a colloidal silica sol in an epoxy resin matrix. The dispersed phase consists according to the manufacturer of surface-modified, spherically shaped SiO₂ nanoparticles with diameters below 50 nm and an extremely narrow particle size distribution. These spheres, only a few nanometers in size, are distributed agglomerate-free in the resin matrix. This according to the manufacturer produces a very low viscosity of the dispersion with SiO₂ content of up to 40 percent by weight. As reported by the manufacturer, the nanoparticles are chemically synthesized from aqueous sodium silicate solution. In this process the binding agent is not damaged, in contrast to processes in which powdered fillers are dispersed with dissolvers or other equipment using high shear energy.

Other desirable materials for use as a filler component include those constructed of or containing aluminum oxide, silicon nitride, aluminum nitride, silica-coated aluminum nitride, boron nitride and combinations thereof.

The filler component, when used, should be used in an amount of about 50 to about 90 percent by weight of the composition, such as about 60 to about 90 percent by weight, desirably within the range of about 70 to about 90 percent by weight.

As the cure component, many different materials can be used. For instance, Air Products offers commercially a line of curatives under the CUREZOL tradename, including CUREZOL 2P4MZ. And the combination of triphenyl phosphine and benzoquinone is also useful herein.

The cure component should be present in an amount of about 1 to 10 about percent by weight, such as about 2 to about 5 percent by weight of the thermosetting resin composition.

The following examples are provided for illustrative purposes.

EXAMPLES

A silicon wafer is ordinarily constructed today to have an 8″ or 12″ diameter, and a thickness of about 25 um to 300 um. In use, the thermosetting resin composition used to encapsulate the silicon wafer may be dispensed by air pressure or by piston dispense on or about a central portion of the silicon wafer.

Exposure to liquid compression molding conditions, such as at a temperature of about 110° C. to 130° C. for a period of time of about 5 minutes to 10 minutes, follows. See e.g. FIG. 1. After such exposure, the compression molded silicon wafer may be placed into a conventional oven for a post mold cure at a temperature about 130° C. to 150° C. for a period of time of about 1 to 2 hours. Desirably, a 12″, 50 um thick silicon wafer should demonstrate warpage about less than 1 mm, after post mold cure, or for 8″ silicon wafers, less than 0.5 mm bow across of the wafer.

A control sample (Sample No. 1) prepared from bisphenol-A epoxy, cycloaliphatic epoxy and anhydride, without a block copolymer, was applied to and molded on a silicon wafer, as described above. Warpage of the silicon wafer of more than 3 cm was observed using a Shadow Moirè, which uses non-contact and non-destructive methods to measure a whole-field surface topography of the molded wafers. In addition, warpage of more than 3 cm was observed by placing the molded wafer on a flat desk, and using a ruler to measure the height from the highest point of the curved wafer edge to the desk surface.

In contrast, compositions including a thermosetting resin matrix (such as an epoxy resin component and a phenol novolac component), a block copolymer, a filler, and a cure component, showed little to no warpage after application onto the wafer and exposure to liquid compression molding conditions.

More specifically, reference to Table 1 shows three compositions formulated with the noted components in the stated amounts.

TABLE 1 Components Sample Nos./Amt (wt %) Type Indentity 1 2 3 Thermoset Phenol-novolac resin¹ 3.74 3.56 Resin Bisphenol-A epoxy resin 1.11 1.06 Trifunctional epoxy 0.74 0.92 0.88 Cycloaliphatic epoxy² 1.18 1.50 1.42 Epoxy diluent 0.74 0.92 0.88 Block FORTEGRA-100 3.93 4.65 Copolymer TEPO LV³ 4.01 Silica MSV-8000 46.8 42.47 40.38 Filler MSR-8030 43.0 39.02 37.10 AEROSIL R8200 0.2 Curative CUREZOL 1B2MZ 0.2 ECA 300D⁴ 5.26 TPP/BQ 0.21 0.20 CUREZOL 2P4MZ 0.21 0.20 Additives AC7851 0.15 0.11 0.10 SILRES HP-1250 0.35 0.45 0.43 (silicone resin) Defoamer 0.05 0.06 0.05 Coloring Carbon black/epoxy 0.44 0.56 0.53 Agent premix ¹REZICURE 3700 ²CYRACURE UVR-6105 ³TEPO LV is a low viscosity thermoplastic epoxy toughener synthesized through the chain extension reaction of a flexible polypropylene glycol diglycidylether with bisphenol-A, as shown in the reaction scheme below. It is epoxy-terminated with an EEW of 1,300~1,500, number average molecular weight M_(n) of 2,500~4,000, and a viscosity of about 2,000 to 3,000 Mpa·s at 100° C.

⁴Alicyclic anhydride

The compositions were each prepared by mixing together the epoxy constituents with a mechanical mixer until dissolution to a homogeneous solution was observed. The silica filler was then added with continued mixing for a period of time of about 30-60 minutes at room temperature until a viscous paste with a substantially uniform consistency was achieved. The remaining constituents were then mixed into the various samples, to form pastes, which were then transferred into containers until ready for use.

Reference to Table 2 below shows certain physical properties observed before and after cure. And specifically, mechanical properties of the noted samples such as modulus, coefficients of thermal expansion (“CTE”), α₁ and α₂, and glass transition temperature (“Tg”)] were measured after the samples were cured for a period of time of 2 hours at a temperature of 140° C. in an oven.

TABLE 2 Physical Sample Nos. Properties 1 2 3 Warpage after oven >3 0.4 0.1 cure (cm) Tg (° C.) by TMA 138 103 −45, 57, (heating rate: 114 10° C./min) CTE 1, ppm/° C. 8 4.1 7.4 CTE 2, ppm/° C. 30 37 17.8 Tg (° C.) by DMA by 161 −50, 87 −50, 60 tanõ Storage @ −65° C. 16.3 16.4 Modulus @ 25° C. 29.5 7.5 4.5 (GPa) @ 100° C. 0.32 0.085 @ 150° C. 0.13 0.047 @ 250° C. 0.10 0.038

The thermosetting resin compositions are dispensed onto and about the center of a silicon wafer. After compression molding at a temperature of 110° C. to 130° C. for a period of time of 5 minutes to 10 minutes, the composition is observed to be about 70 to 80% cured, though with a tack free surface. Then, the so-molded wafer is placed into a conventional oven for post mold cure at a temperature of 130° C. to 150° C. for a period of time of 1 to 2 hours.

To achieve high Tg and low warpage on flip chip semiconductor packaging, low temperature curing conditions (below 130° C.), with compositions that exhibit fast gellation after exposure to such low temperature curing conditions have been shown to influence warpage. The Tg of the cured composition should be equal to or higher than the temperature used to cure the composition; the Tg should be higher than 90° C., desirably above 125° C. If the composition cures slowly or at a higher temperature, the stress free point between the die and substrate set is high. Warpage at room temperature results from cooling the compression molded semiconductor package to room temperature from the cure temperature.

To achieve high reliability for thermal cycle performance between −55° C. to 125° C. of such compression molded semiconductor packages, the underfill material should have Tg by TMA after reflow at 260° C. above 90° C. and desirably above 125° C., a DSC peak below 140° C., a delta temperature between the onset and the peak on DSC below 20° C.

The physical properties [such as modulus, CTE, α₁ and α₂, and Tg] of one control composition—Sample No. 1—were compared against the compositions of this invention—Sample Nos. 2 and 3. In general, one can see the modulus ranges of Sample Nos. 2 and 3 is lower than that compared to the modulus range of Sample No. 1, while the CTE α₁ values (and Tg, for that matter) remain in the same range. This combination of low modulus and low CTE α₁ (and relatively high Tg) is a significant physical property combination for electronic materials, such as sealants, for use in encapsulating silicon wafers for microelectronic devices. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A thermosetting resin composition, comprising a thermosetting resin matrix comprising the combination of an epoxy resin component, and an epoxy curing agent consisting of a phenolic novolac component, optionally an additional component selected from the group consisting of an episulfide resin, an oxazine, an oxazoline, a cyanate ester, a maleimide, a nadimide, an itaconimide, and combinations thereof; a block copolymer, a silica filler and optionally a catalyst and accelerator, wherein the block copolymer is an amphiphilic one selected from copolymers made from polystyrene, 1,4-polybutadiene and syndiotactic poly(methyl methacrylate); polymethylmethacrylate-block-polybutylacrylate-block polymethylmethacrylate copolymers; and combinations thereof, wherein the silica filler comprises 50 to 90 percent by weight of the composition.
 2. The composition of claim 1, wherein when cured the composition exhibits a storage modulus in the range of about 20 GPas or less at room temperature, a CTE al of less than or equal to 10 ppm, and multiple Tgs.
 3. The composition of claim 2, wherein the multiple Tgs include a T_(g1) of about −70° C. to −30° C. and a T_(g2) of about 50° C. to 150° C.
 4. The composition of claim 1, wherein the block copolymer is present in an amount from 5 to 40 percent by weight.
 5. The composition of claim 1, wherein the silica filler comprises 70 to 90 percent by weight of the composition.
 6. An encapsulated thinned silicon wafer comprising a thermosetting resin composition according to claim 1 disposed in contact with the thinned silicon wafer.
 7. A method of improving warpage resistance in a thinned silicon wafer subjected to liquid compression molding comprising: providing a thinned silicon wafer of a thickness of 25 μm to 300 μm; molding a thermosetting resin composition according to claim 1 onto the silicon wafer to form an encapsulated wafer; heat curing the encapsulated wafer to form a cured wafer; and cooling the cured wafer to room temperature.
 8. The method of claim 7, wherein molding is at a temperature of 110° C. to 130° C., and heat curing is at a temperature from 110° C. to 150° C.
 9. A liquid compression molding composition, comprising a thermosetting resin matrix consisting of an epoxy resin component made from bisphenol A, bisphenol F, bisphenol S, bisphenol E, biphenyl, and combinations thereof, a phenolic novolac component, optionally an epoxy reactive diluent, optionally a cycloaliphatic epoxy, and optionally an additional component selected from the group consisting of an episulfide resin, an oxazine, an oxazoline, a cyanate ester, a maleimide, a nadimide, an itaconimide, and combinations thereof; a block copolymer, a silica filler and optionally a catalyst and accelerator, wherein the block copolymer is an amphiphilic one selected from copolymers made from polystyrene, 1,4-polybutadiene and syndiotactic poly(methyl methacrylate); polymethylmethacrylate-block-polybutylacrylate-block polymethylmethacrylate copolymers; and combinations thereof, wherein the silica filler comprises 50 to 90 percent by weight of the composition. 